New York City is once again dealing with a Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak, this time on the Upper East Side (specifically, within a one-mile radius in Carnegie Hill and Yorkville). As of July 7, there have been 28 known cases, 21 hospitalizations, and thankfully, zero fatalities.
In the wake of 2025’s concerning, deadly outbreak—which exposed how city staffing shortages may have contributed to an increase in cases—we must work together to protect all New Yorkers, increase awareness, and prevent further exposure.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ Disease is a type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which grows in warm water. Symptoms might develop anywhere between two days and two weeks of exposure. It’s rarely seen in children and, so far, never seen in pets.
How do I Know if I Have Legionnaires’ Disease?
Most individuals that are exposed to the Legionella bacteria do not develop the disease. For those that become symptomatic, it can feel a lot like the beginning of a common cold or the flu. If you have been near the affected zip codes and develop symptoms like:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Body aches
Please seek immediate medical attention, especially if you’re over 50 years old, smoke, or have a chronic health condition. Check regularly on your family and neighbors, as such common symptoms can easily be ignored by those unaware of the outbreak.
Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal and an early diagnosis is crucial for a better outcome.
How Can you Become Infected with Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person. You contract the disease by breathing in contaminated water vapor. Legionella bacteria does not develop only in cooling towers, but such towers do provide optimum conditions for contamination when not maintained properly. There’s strong evidence that the source of the most recent outbreak were contaminated cooling towers. Drinking water, cooking, bathing, and using air conditioning is still safe.
According to experts, there’s currently no evidence that wearing a mask is effective against the Legionella bacteria.
Where Is the Outbreak?
Experts ask residents of the following zip codes to remain especially vigilant about any signs of Legionnaires’ Disease symptoms:
- 10028
- 10128
- 10075
Progress Made, and Still Needed, After 2025 Outbreak
New Legionella testing regulations went into effect in May 2026, requiring more frequent inspections. At the time of this roll out, City government also proposed a package of solutions for Fiscal Year 27 including an increased number of inspectors, community outreach, and partnerships with local organizations.
For more information, watch the recorded town hall hosted by the city of New York here.
Our office will continue to monitor this quickly evolving situation to provide resources and oversight.